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Published on: July 29, 2011
Parasystole in a mahaim accessory pathway
Chandramohan Ramasamy1, Senthil Kumar1, Raja J Selvaraj1
1Department of Cardiology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India.
An unusual case of automatic rhythm originating from a Mahaim pathway presented as parasystole. This parasystolic rhythm initiated tachycardia, leading to incessant tachycardia and tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
Background:
- Mahaim pathways are accessory pathways that can exhibit automaticity.
- Automaticity in Mahaim pathways can manifest spontaneously or during procedures like radiofrequency ablation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe an unusual case of an automatic rhythm originating from a Mahaim pathway.
- To highlight the presentation of this automatic rhythm as parasystole.
- To report the consequences of this parasystolic rhythm, including tachycardia initiation and cardiomyopathy.
Main Methods:
- Case report detailing an unusual cardiac arrhythmia.
- Clinical presentation and electrophysiological findings analysis.
- Review of literature on Mahaim pathway automaticity and parasystole.
Main Results:
- An automatic rhythm from a Mahaim pathway was observed presenting as parasystole.
- The parasystolic beats were identified as the trigger for tachycardia.
- The patient presented with incessant tachycardia and subsequent tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy.
Conclusions:
- Mahaim pathway automaticity can manifest as parasystole.
- Parasystole from a Mahaim pathway can lead to incessant tachycardia and cardiomyopathy.
- This case expands the understanding of Mahaim pathway arrhythmogenesis.
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